James Vance Gibson

James Vance Gibson, age 85, made his final journey in this life to go home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Thursday morning, May 31, 2018 in Crestview, FL. He was born October 18, 1932 in Hudson, North Carolina by the late Alfred F. and Lena Estelle Gibson. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Elaine Gibson. He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn Gibson, two brothers Johnny Gibson and wife Gloria; William Gibson and wife Barbara and sister Mary Jeanne (Gidget) DuMouchel and husband Michael, two sons: Gary Gibson and wife Christy, Bruce Gibson and wife Shannon, four step-children, Chris Chouinard and husband Mark, Mike Blasberg and wife Mary, Roni Edwards and husband Phil and Ricky Blasberg and wife Mary Ann, 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. James was of the Baptist faith and served as deacon of Dorcas Baptist Church for over 25 years. He enjoyed singing in the church’s choir for many years. Preparing for the Christmas Cantata every year was one of the delights of his service to the church as well as serving others as Christ teaches us. James served his country as a navigator in the U.S. Air Force and retired after 22 years of service from the 1st Special Operations Wing with a rank of Major from Hulbert Field, FL on Feb 29, 1976. He served in Vietnam during his career in the military. James was highly decorated for his service in the U.S. Air Force including: Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army and Air Force Good Conduct Medals, Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Medal, Air Force Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medals (1961, 1962, 1968, and 1970), Longevity Service Award Ribbon for 22 years and 8 months of service, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, and the Vietnam Campaign Metal. Following his career in the military, James and partner Harvey Hallman owned a successful business named the Destin Fishin’Hole in Destin, FL for about 20 years. James always loved hearing the stories from the fishermen after a day out on the water. Family and friends will miss his warm smile and his stories of his life. James was pure in spirit and will always be remembered as one of the kindest, most thoughtful, Godly men that has ever walked on this earth. The celebration of James’ life will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018, at Dorcas Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow in the Dorcas Baptist Church Cemetery. A time of visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m.

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